Mark N. Fruce, Jr.

by Contributor | November 16, 2008 10:26 pm

Mark N. Fruce, Jr. died peacefully surrounded by family on November 8, 2008. A native of Fulton, he was a self-employed, hard-working businessman who founded Mark Fruce Home Insulation Company in 1947 which he developed into a commercial and residential roofing business. He was a community leader who loved living in Oswego County for the past 85 years. Mark was often characterized by his peers for his honesty, integrity, and responsibility in all of his life’s endeavors. He was a graduate of Fulton High School, class of 1942, where he was the captain of the varsity football team and went by nickname of “Torch”. Mark served as a sergeant in the U. S. Army during World War II in France.

Mark was a 26 year Oswego County Legislator serving on virtually every county committee. He was instrumental in locating the Oswego County office building as well as Andrew Michaud Nursing Home in Fulton and worked on the expansion of the Oswego County Airport. He also served as Commissioner of Jurors for Oswego County. He was a founding member and past president of the Fulton Historical Society. Mark was a communicant and former trustee of Holy Family Catholic Church and served on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities; A. L. Lee Memorial Hospital and Operation Oswego County. He was a trustee of Fulton Savings Bank and a director of the Bank of Northern New York. Mark was a fourth degree member of St. Joseph’s Council #254, Knights of Columbus and member of V.F.W. Post #569; Homer Russell Smith Post #587, American Legion and Fulton Elks Lodge #830. He was a leader of the Forward with Fulton movement and Fulton Athletic Boosters Club.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sarah; four children and ten grandchildren, Rita (Dr. David) Dexter of Oswego, Drs. David and Justin Dexter; Mark (Beth) Fruce III of Fulton, Mark IV and Michael Fruce; Louise (Anthony) Amalfetano of Warwick, RI, Sarah, Nicholas and Christopher Amalfetano; and Dr. Frank (Gabriela) Fruce of Fulton, Alyssa, Ben and William Fruce; and nephew, Kenneth (Linda) Fruce of Parma, OH. Mark was predeceased by his sisters, Marguerite Miller, who died July 5th and Jean Hartnett, who died in 2004.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Holy Family / St. Michael’s Church, 45 West Fourth Street, Fulton with Rev. Robert B. Stephenson officiating. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery will be private and there are no calling hours. The family will greet friends for a time of remembrance after the Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Camp Hollis, P.O. Box 291, Oswego, NY 13126 in support of the children of Oswego County. Foster Funeral Home, Fulton has charge of arrangements.

FOSTER FUNERAL HOME, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/obituaries/mark-n-fruce-jr/

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